Fact Check: Is Zimbabwe the number one blueberry exporter in the world? - ZimFact
Ngoni Mhuruyengwe
December 5, 2023
CLAIM: Local media reports claimed Zimbabwe is the leading blueberry exporter in the world. This was attributed to a 2023 study by EastFruit, an information and analytical platform for the fruit and vegetable business. A section of the report reads:
“In 2022, Zimbabwe saw an 85% growth in blueberry exports, surpassing 5,000 tonnes, elevating the country to the top 15 global exporters list. According to a recent report, Zimbabwe is presently the foremost global exporter of blueberries, outpacing all other nations in growth”.
Is this true or false?
Verdict: False
According to the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), Zimbabwe where climatic conditions allow high yields from open field planting and early delivery into export markets doubled its blueberry production to 7,000 metric tons this year. Andrij Yarmak, an economist at the investment department of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said, Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports are currently growing faster than any other country in the world.
According to the International Blueberry Organisation’s Global State of the Blueberry Industry Report for 2023, these are the top blueberry exporters in the world since 2019.
Where does Zimbabwe rank in Africa?
Where are blueberries grown in Zimbabwe?
Currently, berries from Zimbabwe are being exported to:
Zimbabwe is not the leading exporter as claimed. However, it is said that for the past five years, Zimbabwe has the fastest growing blueberry industry.
International Blueberry Organisation Global State Of The Blueberry Industry Report 2023
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/peru-mexico-top-berry-exporters/
https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#search/Blueberries
https://www.producereport.com/article/perus-fruit-exports-expected-overtake-chiles-within-5-years
FEATURED